(LPRS)Prepare for and attend the family management conference

See Family management conferences in Provincial Court for tips on how to prepare for a family management conference.

If you don't attend the family management conference, the judge can make orders without hearing what you have to say.

Going to a family management conference isn't like going to trial but you're still in court and the person conducting the conference is a judge.

To make the most of your time at a family management conference, be prepared. Bring:

• a list of what you want and why,
• a list of what you disagree with and why, and
• any documents that help you show your points.

What happens if the discussion breaks down?

Sometimes, no meaningful discussions happen at the family management conference because one of you is unable or unwilling to discuss the issues or to compromise. The judge can make orders even if you don't agree with them.

If you and the other person have different opinions about things like how many hours each person works or a child's health issues, the judge will likely want to hear both sides of the story another day when there is more time. If this happens, they'll likely order:

• another family management conference,
• a family settlement conference,
• a hearing, or
• a trial.